educationCentral Scheme

National Literacy Mission (NLM)

राष्ट्रीय साक्षरता मिशन

Ministry of Human Resource Development

iAbout This Scheme

Launched on 5 May 1988 by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the National Literacy Mission set a target to attain a literacy rate of 75% by 2007. It operated through Total Literacy Campaigns (TLCs) and Post Literacy Campaigns (PLCs) at district level. The Saakshar Bharat programme (2009) and later ULLAS (2023) are its successors. The Total Literacy Campaign model, using volunteer tutors for non-formal education, reached over 100 million people.

🎁Key Benefits

Free literacy and numeracy training for adults
Total Literacy Campaigns in districts
Post-literacy and continuing education programmes
Functional literacy linked to livelihoods

✅Eligibility Criteria

1
Scheme restructured as Saakshar Bharat 2009 — historical archive of NLM

Min Age

15 years

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📝How to Apply

Historical Scheme — No Active Application

This scheme has been discontinued. It has been superseded by newer programmes. Visit the successor scheme page or contact your district collector for current alternatives.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

What scholarships are available for school students?

Major schemes include: NSP (National Scholarship Portal) scholarships, Pre-Matric and Post-Matric scholarships for SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, Merit-cum-Means scholarships, and state-specific scholarships.

How to apply for central government education schemes?

Most central education schemes are applied through the National Scholarship Portal (scholarships.gov.in). Create an account, fill the application form, and upload required documents.

What is Samagra Shiksha?

Samagra Shiksha is an overarching scheme for school education that integrates Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education. It focuses on quality education from pre-school to Class XII.

Is Mid-Day Meal free for all government school students?

Yes, PM-POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) scheme provides free cooked meals to students of government and government-aided schools from Class 1 to 8, covering approximately 11.80 crore children across India.

Required Documents

This is a historical/discontinued scheme — no active application required
For research reference: consult Planning Commission archives or National Archives of India
Scheme records available at archive.india.gov.in

Editorial note: This page is researched, written, and regularly reviewed by the Aditya Raj Hirve using official government sources and notifications. Information is verified against the originating ministry or department portal before publication. Last reviewed: July 2026.

Always verify critical details directly from the official government portal before applying.

Required Documents

National Literacy Mission (NLM) — Eligibility, Documents & Apply 2026 | Sarkaari Saathi

National Literacy Mission (NLM)

iAbout This Scheme

🎁Key Benefits

✅Eligibility Criteria

📝How to Apply

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Required Documents

Required Documents

Quick Info

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